Steeplechase (1975)

by Christopher October 22, 2020

written by Christopher October 22, 2020 4 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1975
Genres: Arcade, Racing, Sport
Platforms: Arcade
Developers: Atari
Publishers: Atari, Nakamura Production

Steeplechase (1975): The Original Horse Racing Arcade Classic

Released in 1975 by Atari Inc., Steeplechase is a six-player arcade game that simulates a steeplechase-style horse race. It was one of the first arcade games to feature multiple players competing against each other, and its innovative gameplay and exciting graphics made it a popular hit.

Gameplay

Steeplechase is played on a race track with six lanes, each representing a different horse. Players choose a horse to control, and the computer controls the seventh horse in the bottom lane. The horses begin galloping automatically, and players must press their colored buttons to jump over obstacles in their lanes.

There are a total of 12 obstacles on the race track, including hurdles, water jumps, and gates. Players must time their jumps carefully to avoid hitting the obstacles, which will slow down their horse. The first horse to successfully jump all 12 obstacles wins the race.

Features

Steeplechase is a simple game to learn, but it offers a challenging and exciting experience for players of all skill levels. The game’s features include:

Six-player multiplayer gameplay
Realistic horse racing simulation
12 challenging obstacles
Colorful and detailed graphics
Exciting sound effects

Legacy

Steeplechase was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Atari as a leader in the arcade game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and multiple-player format set a new standard for arcade racing games, and it remains a popular classic today.

Steeplechase has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Switch. It has also been included in several Atari compilation games.

Critical Reception

Steeplechase was praised by critics for its innovative gameplay, exciting graphics, and multiple-player format. The game received a perfect score of 10 out of 10 from Video Magazine, and it was named one of the “Top 100 Arcade Games of All Time” by IGN.

Cultural Impact

Steeplechase has had a significant impact on popular culture. The game’s iconic graphics and gameplay have been referenced in numerous TV shows, movies, and video games. Steeplechase has also been featured in several museums and exhibitions, including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Conclusion

Steeplechase is a classic arcade game that offers a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages. Its innovative gameplay, exciting graphics, and multiple-player format make it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers today.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.